Park Ridge connects with arts by by Linus Power
As humans, we have more than a simple need for food and water. We are fundamentally social, connecting through family, stories, music and especially art. One of the ways we know that people were like us tens of thousands of years ago, is by their connections to art they carved into rocks or painted on cave walls.
The Park Ridge community want to connect with one another at work, church, the pub, listening to music and through art. We know our schools have great art programs but not as many know about art options outside of schools. In Logan’s west, the Community Artshare Alliance is run by Sherry & Steven and their crew of volunteers. Every week classes are held for people of all abilities in painting, clay sculpture, hebel carving, beading, glass fusing and other mediums. The group runs classes for seniors, home schoolers, adults, special needs clients and most importantly holiday krank classes for kids.
The first thing you notice when you walk through the doors of the centre are the different levels of art experience displayed for all to see. There are some unusual and striking pieces completed by local artists. The second thing you notice is the happiness and concentration on the faces of the participants. Their pride and determination to produce something that is uniquely theirs is a great thing to see. Sherry and other coaches are always in action guiding them with a gentle word assuring them they are on the right track.
Classes run during the day but night and weekend classes can be arranged for working people depending on numbers. Located at Logan West Community Centre in Orr Court Hillcrest next to the Ambulance Station, the centre has its own car parking, runs its own kilns and does not receive any government funding so it is reliant on donations and its volunteers.
If you would like more information about courses and costs or want to volunteer as an art coach, please get in touch with Sherry or Steven on 0420 985 527 or check out their webpage at http://lwcasa.org/dir/services-activities or email me atLogan@parliament.qld.gov.au
